Overview & Reviews
The Chevrolet Blazer was one of the most popular SUVs for five consecutive decades, though its name was shared by two completely unrelated model lines. Chevrolet first started affixing the "K5 Blazer" designation to two-door convertible SUV versions of its big trucks starting in 1969.
Today, most of the old-school K5 Blazers have long since rusted away or have otherwise been reclaimed by off-roading enthusiasts. Chevy continued to produce full-size, two-door Blazers through 1994, after which it rechristened these vehicles with the now-current Tahoe name.
In the early 1980s, however, Chevrolet started to call another one of its products the Blazer. And in actuality, the other Chevy Blazer -- the "S-10 Blazer" -- is the one consumers are most likely to come across in the used-car market due to its greater popularity and more recent place in history.
Born as a variant of Chevrolet's S-10 compact pickup in 1983, this S-10 Blazer was a pioneer of the modern small-SUV segment. Though initially limited in terms of body styles and often underpowered, it did eventually receive four doors and better engines. A redesigned second-generation model (without the S-10 moniker) arrived in 1995 with improvements in performance, styling and interior room.
As an inexpensive choice for a small or midsize SUV, a second-generation Chevy Blazer might be worth a look. However, compared to other vehicles of the time, this Blazer was let down by average driving dynamics, middling comfort and poor crash test scores.
Most Recent Chevrolet Blazer
The second-generation Chevrolet Blazer was produced from 1995 to 2005. In terms of size, it was bigger than its predecessor but smaller than competing midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The two-door version was sold throughout the model run, but the four-door was discontinued after 2004, with fleet sales continuing through '05. If you encounter an '05 four-door Blazer on the used market, chances are it used to be a rental car. (Consumers should note that four-door Blazers from this era are unrelated to the superseding TrailBlazer that arrived for '02.)
The second-gen Chevy Blazer's mechanicals were largely consistent throughout its lifetime. Under the hood was a 4.3-liter V6 producing 190 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It was typically connected to a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic, though a five-speed manual transmission was available on two-door models. Rear-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive were offered.
The Blazer initially came in three trim lines: base, LS and LT. The base model started with little more than a radio, air-conditioning and antilock brakes, but the LS added the features most consumers expected: power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel, a folding rear seat and cruise control. The luxurious four-door-only LT upgraded to leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a more deluxe stereo and an overhead console. A "TrailBlazer" trim line with two-tone leather and unique styling became the new range-topper in 1999. Chevrolet realigned the trim levels in 2000, dropping the base model and de-contenting the LT (leather seats became optional). In model year 2001 the Blazer Xtreme arrived. This 2WD, two-door model had a low-riding sport suspension, deep-dish wheels, a monochromatic exterior and tinted windows.
In our initial reviews of the Chevrolet Blazer, we found it quick (thanks to its robust V6), fun to drive around town, comfortable to ride in and decently capable off-road. However, as better competitors emerged, the Blazer's handling seemed sloppy and vague and its turning circle wide. We also found that rear-seat comfort was lacking due to a low bench and inadequate foot room. Other faults included spotty build quality and low-grade interior plastics.
Of the few changes to affect the Chevy Blazer during its long life, the most crucial came in 1998 when it gained revised inner and outer styling, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and a passenger-side front airbag. The addition of a second airbag is especially important in light of the Blazer's very poor NHTSA one-star frontal crash test score for the passenger in prior years. After the revision, the score jumped to four. Another major change came for the 1999 model year when Chevrolet introduced a new AutoTrac four-wheel-drive system that could automatically sense wheel slippage and send power to the axle with the most traction.
Past Chevrolet Blazer models
The original Chevrolet S-10 Blazer was produced from 1983 to 1994. Through much of the 1980s, it relied on a variety of four-cylinder and V6 engines, all with meager outputs. The S-10 Blazer's first big improvement came in 1988 when it gained an optional 4.3-liter V6 with 160 hp. That V6 finally became standard in 1990.
The Chevrolet S-10 Blazer's second major improvement came in 1991 when Chevy introduced a four-door version based on a slightly longer body. This certainly helped improve the vehicle's appeal, as did an optional "Enhanced" version of the V6 engine that brought horsepower to 200.
Though popular, the S-10 Blazer was increasingly outclassed as the 1990s came about. In particular, the Blazer's sloppy handling, harsh ride, cramped backseat and poorly designed controls made it look crude compared to newer designs like the the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder of the time.
As for the full-size Chevrolet Blazer, the best models from the early '90s to look at would be those built from 1992 to 1994. These redesigned models were built using GM's then-new full-size truck platform. A 200-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 powered nearly all Blazers of this generation, though a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 with 180 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque was optional for '94. Four-wheel drive was standard across the board. In 1995, Chevy changed this model's name to Tahoe and introduced a four-door body, which in short time proved to be far more popular than the two-door.
User Reviews:
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2001 Chev LT Blazer 4WD - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
By JL - September 4 - 2:00 amNice ride, comfortable mid-size SUV. Handles good off-road.
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Dont waste your money - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
By icede - September 3 - 2:00 amI sent my Blazer to the shop more times that I can count - from the spark plug wires burning out, the fuel injectors clogging up (protective coating at the factory was not removed), the fuel gauge not working, and the transmission having serious issues. In the last few years, the Blazer sat in my garage while I drove my Honda I just did not trust the Blazer anymore after being left stranded by it too many times. Thankfully, I just traded it in over the weekend for a Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner. I can finally trust a truck. My advice: Do not buy a Chevy. Sure, theyre like a rock... and Rocks dont move much, last I checked.
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Dont Ever Think About Buying One - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
By Big Bad Bob - September 2 - 2:00 amIve reploaced the engine twice plus 1 transmission, 1 AC compressor, 1 rad, 1 water pump, ball joints, 1 catalytic converter, o2 sensor. Now all I need to fix is the brakes the funny clonking noise the interior rattle and the noisy fuel pump and it should be OK! I cant believe GM ever thought it was acceptable to sell it.
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Relatively happy with the vehicle. - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
By HowardBl - August 31 - 2:00 amAll in all, Ive had this vehicle since late 1997, and havent had too much grief with it... It goes through an idler arm every 20K miles (Im going on #5), but thats to be expected when you get a car ride on a truck frame. Had to replace a master cylinder and torn seat leather under warranty. After warranty needed new brake booster (a pain to install, but did myself) for $200, $30 belt tensioner, new shocks all around, rotors only once and eventually will need a new fuel sending unit. Really cant complain... gave me lots of dependable service including some off- road and emergency responses.
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2000 S-10 Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By Jim Wasoka - August 30 - 10:00 amCompared to my previous Ford Explorer and Broncho II, this vehicle handles better and has more power. The interior roominess and overall size is excellent for a family of 4 to take long trips. I would recommend it to anyone needing 4 wheel drive and seating for 5 who doesnt want to get into a minivan.
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No complaints for my ZR2 - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By Todd B. - August 30 - 2:00 amWhomever had this vehicle before me took good care of it. Looks brand new minus a couple of minor scratches. The interior is in perfect shape. True, it has a lot of plastic but it isnt as bad as some say. What do you expect? This isnt a luxury SUV. I have the Bose stereo with 6 cd changer and it sounds great. I have nearly every option available on it. I truly love driving it each day. All of my friends love the way it looks. My only issue so far is that the rear windows leak if you go through a high pressure car wash. No big deal, easily fixed. Other than that I have zero complaints.
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Great Vehicle - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
By Blazer67 - August 26 - 2:00 amI purchased my 2 Door Blazer LT certifed used with 22000 miles on it have had it 6 months. This is a great vehicle with ample power and a decent ride for SUV. So far no mechanical difficulties. This is great SUV for the money
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LOVING my 1st SUV, my Chevy Blazer - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
By paratrooperwife - August 23 - 2:00 amI love it...great in every way...hope that auto makers continue to improve miles per gallon...Ill never go back to Ford again - Chevy is awesome! Deb G., White Marsh, Maryland
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2000 Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By Reddog002 - August 23 - 2:00 amThis Blazer is very economical, it uses gas only when the air is running or is in 4 wheel drive. It rides fairly well. The only problem I have had is with the front in alinement. Has been very reliable.
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very fond of the blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
By irisheyes - August 23 - 2:00 amWe bought this car when we moved to Colorado and we have had an awful lot of fun with it. Really really tough and reliable in the snow. Always felt safe in bad conditions in city and country. Like a rock. No trouble with baby seats and so on, it was good when the kids were really little for all their stuff in the back. We did some very long trips in it and it never let us down. Since it got old the handling has gotten very squishy but the car is still solid enough. We will be sad to say goodbye.
